To deal with a significant shoulder injury, surgery was considered an option, as was trying to play through it, but former Saints quarterback Derek Carr says he ultimately didn't feel right with either possibility.

Ex-Saints QB Derek Carr explained his choice to give up $30 million and retire, saying he 'didn’t want to have surgery and just sit there'

Derek Carr retired during the 2025 NFL offseason because of a shoulder injury. He believes it was the right move despite leaving money on the table.